Pipeline fire in Deer Park, TX. ~10 miles north of Johnson Space Center, and even closer to my Earth home.
Nikon Z9, 200mm f2, 1/320 sec, ISO 25600. pic.twitter.com/KjRslUvh8M
— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) September 17, 2024
A vehicle crashed into an above-ground valve in Deer Park, Texas, sparking a massive pipeline fire that continues to burn nearly 48 hours later. The incident, captured on video by a nearby transportation company’s work vehicle, shows the moment the car hit the valve at a high rate of speed, causing flames to shoot hundreds of feet into the air. Devin Boone, a dispatcher with Total Marine Transportation, provided details of the incident.
The company’s van was parked across the street from the pipeline when the crash occurred. “Once you see the red truck pass, that’s when you see the car barreling toward the pipeline,” Boone said.
I am grateful to the first responders who have been working hard to put out this pipeline fire in Deer Park and keeping folks safe. My prayers are with Texans impacted by the blast. https://t.co/NXoloLVqKe
— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) September 17, 2024
The driver and passenger in the van attempted to return to the vehicle but were unable to due to the intense heat.
The fire has caused significant disruption to the area, with nearly 1,000 homes evacuated initially.
My team and I are monitoring the ongoing situation that is impacting La Porte and Deer Park.
Heed your local officials’ warnings — and prepare accordingly.https://t.co/Q4xsnPXbKn
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) September 16, 2024
The number of evacuated homes has since reduced to just over 400, but residents remain uncertain about when they can safely return. The pipeline’s owner, Energy Transfer, is covering the costs for displaced residents for a second night.
Four people were injured in the explosion, and one firefighter sustained minor injuries.
Pipeline fire disrupts Deer Park residents
The fire also damaged five homes in the surrounding area.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances of the crash, and the driver of the vehicle has not yet been publicly identified. Energy Transfer expects the fire to burn itself out later Tuesday, and both the company and Harris County Pollution Control are conducting air monitoring in the area. They have reported no immediate health issues.
The Railroad Commission of Texas has pipeline safety inspectors working with emergency responders at the scene. Residents described the terrifying experience of the explosion. “It sounded like a bomb went off.
You really don’t know what to do when it’s happening,” said Anna Lewis, who was at the nearby Walmart during the incident. Geselle Melina Guerra, who was at home when she heard the blast, described seeing the resulting flames as a frightening experience. As the fire continues to burn, local authorities and agencies are focused on ensuring the safety of the residents and conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of this incident.
Public safety remains a top priority, and evacuation orders will stay in place as long as necessary.
